Italian Bicycle Group N.A. (IBGNA) – a bicycle import and wholesale distribution company of Italian cycling products to Canada, Mexico and the United States – has announced the distribution of MagicGuanto GranTurismo Gloves in the USA.
A reintroduction of the MagicGuanto Glove from the 1980s, IBGNA notes that the GranTurismo is reminiscent of bicycle gloves made popular during cycling’s second Golden Age. The GranTurismo features a Lycra back with Velcro strap, and a proprietary leather palm called MagicSkin.
MagicSkin is a full grain sheepskin found only in Italy. This comes from sheep who roam grass fields and olive groves. ‘In addition to sheepskin’s natural lanolin, the oils of the fallen olives or olive forage enable MagicSkin to regenerate after use.’
Unlike the Magic Guanto gloves of the 1980s or other leathers used in cycling gloves today, IBGNA adds that the leather of MagicGuanto GranTurismo Gloves remains supple, even after washing.
The padding of the GranTurismo is minimal, and ‘the natural grip of the MagicSkin leather makes expensive tacky touch handlebar tapes less relevant if not obsolete’. The MagicSkin leather has elastic properties, an attribute that renders it soft, supple and naturally tacky.
Because of the breathable properties of MagicSkin’s hollow fibres, the GranTurismo Glove is said to remain cool to wear on hot days, and warm on cool days. MagicSkin also helps to control moisture, and is claimed to be more resistant to dirt compared to other leather types.
MagicGuanto claims to be the first glove manufacturer to incorporate a Lycra-style back with leather palm, and as the company indicates the brand is ‘After knit. Before synthetic”’.
The rise of the original Magic Guanto was notable, and by the early 1980s nearly every professional cycling team wore the glove brand. In fact, every winner of the Giro d’Italia during the period 1981-1991 donned MagicGuanto Gloves including such notable riders as Battaglin, Hinault, Saronni, Moser, Roche, Hampsten, Fignon and Bugno.
Currently available in seven sizes (e.g., XXS-XXL) and 11 colours, the GranTurismo is positioned as being ideal for cyclocross, gravel, road, randonneur, touring, track and vintage, and… ‘may even find fans in the fixed-gear market for the glove’s authenticity and cool factor’.
While the first two production runs have sold through, the MagicGuanto GranTurismo is currently available from Italian Bicycle Group in all colours and sizes. MagicGuanto is also offering the GranTurismo as part of its Custom Clothing range for cycling clubs and teams.
- Brand / item: MagicGuanto / GranTurismo Glove
- Colours: Black, blue, celeste, green, orange, pink, pink fluo, purple, red, white, yellow
- Features: Lycra Top, MaginSkin padded leather palm, Velcro strap with MG logo
- Materials: Lycra, MagicSkin leather, Velcro strap
- Made in Italy
- Sizes: XXS-XXL
- Weight: 25g
- MSRP: US$65
IBGNA is currently establishing an authorized dealer network for MagicGuanto regular collection articles, and independent bicycle dealers (IBDs) are encouraged to contact IBGNA in order to set-up an account. The MRSP of MagicGuanto GranTurismo Gloves is US$65; IBD margin is more than 50.0%; and MAP pricing is US$49.95.
Based in Castle Pines, Colorado, IBGNA is a bicycle import and wholesale distribution company of Italian cycling products to Canada, Mexico and the United States. The independent bicycle dealer (IBD) is the company’s exclusive channel of trade, and IBGNA does not sell business to consumer (B2C) direct or online (bicyclewaterbottle.com excepted). Brands currently offered by Italian Bicycle Group N.A. in the United States include BikeRibbon, Favero, MagicGuanto, MB Wear, MOA Sport, Scagliarini and Tacx.
MagicGuanto is an Italian company and brand specializing in the design and manufacture of 100% Made in Italy professional cycling team kit. Channels of MagicGuanto include custom, retail and wholesale. MagicGuanto clients include amateur and professional cycling teams, bicycle clubs, company brands, individual athletes, mass-participation bicycle rides (e.g., gran fondos), and race leader jerseys.
